Hisanori Takahashi has gotten a two-year deal from the Angels for $8 million.

Caption: Hisanori Takahashi has gotten a two-year deal from the Angels for $8 million. (The Associated Press)

Takahashi appeared in 53 games this year with the New York Mets in his first season in the majors. He went 10-6 with eight saves and a 3.61 ERA.

The 35-year-old Takahashi made 12 starts and became the first Mets pitcher since Roger McDowell in 1986 to record double digits in victories and eight or more saves in the same season.

Takahashi gets $3.8 million next year, and $4.2 million in 2012.

“We believe that his contributions in various roles in our bullpen will be extremely important to the overall success of our club,” Angels general manager Tony Reagins said in a release.

Takahashi agreed to a minor league deal with the Mets in February after 10 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan’s Central League.

This is another big loss for the Mets. They clearly are not willing to spend money on non-core players, even if they were effective last season. Takahashi’s versatility was huge as he served as a starter, long reliever and closer for the Mets. The Angels were willing to spend for him. What a contrast. The Mets better hope there are quite a lot of hidden gems among their Spring Training invitees or it’s going to be a long 2011 season.